More and more schools are taking measures to make lessons trouble-free and to minimize distractions caused by smartphones. While some schools rely on classic methods such as collecting cell phones, others opt for cell phone cabinets or modern solutions such as lockable cell phone cases. But which of these approaches is the best choice for effectively organising everyday school life while remaining secure and flexible?

The challenge: smartphones in everyday school life

Smartphones are an integral part of students' everyday lives — this also applies to teaching. Studies show that using cell phones during school hours can lead to the following problems:

• Distraction in class: News, social media and games interfere with concentration.
• Unauthorized recordings: Classroom photos and videos promote cyberbullying and privacy issues.
• Less social interaction: Students communicate less personally, which affects the sense of community.

To address these challenges, schools have developed various approaches, including Collecting cell phones, cell phone cabinets or cell phone cases like LOCKSTA.

Option 1: Collect cell phones

How does it work?

Teachers collect students' cell phones before class starts and usually store them in a central location, such as a basket or box, until the end of school time.

advantages:

• Low costs: No special purchases are necessary.
• Easy implementation: Cell phones are stored centrally and are not accessible.

Disadvantages:

• High administrative costs: Teachers must organise collection and distribution, which takes time and delays lessons.
• Security risks: The centrally stored cell phones are vulnerable to theft or damage.
• Dissatisfaction: Students feel incapacitated by handing over their devices, which can lead to resistance.

Option 2: cell phone cabinets

How do they work?

Cell phone cabinets are permanently installed pieces of furniture with lockable compartments in which students' smartphones are safely stored.

advantages:

• Safety: Devices are protected against theft and damage.
• Complete control: Smartphones are completely inaccessible during the day.

Disadvantages:

• High costs: Buying and installing cell phone cabinets is expensive.
• Time required: Collecting and storing cell phones in the cupboards takes lesson time.
• Inflexible: Students cannot use their devices on their own, even if it is allowed.
• Space requirement: Closets require additional space, which is scarce in many schools.

Option 3: Lockable phone cases

How does it work?

With phone cases such as LOCKSTA Do students keep their smartphones securely locked with them:

• Single issue: Each student receives their own case, which they use throughout their entire school period.
• Everyday use: Students bring the cases with them every day and lock their smartphones before class starts.
• Opening stations: At the end of the day, students unlock their cases themselves at central stations.
• Emergencies: Teachers carry mobile openers to provide access in urgent cases.

advantages:

• Flexibility: Students keep their devices and can open the cases themselves if allowed.
• Low costs: One-time purchase costs without ongoing fees.
• Easy integration: Quick and easy to use in everyday school life.
• Safety: Cell phones are protected against theft and damage.
• Personal responsibility: Students learn to use their devices responsibly.

Disadvantages:

• Signal remains active: The cases prevent use but do not block signals.

Comparison: Cell Phone Cases vs. Cell Phone Cabinets or Collecting

Investment and profitability

Phone cases:

The one-time investment in mobile phone cases such as LOCKSTA is cost-effective as they can be used over several years. The administrative burden is low and there are no running costs as with technical solutions.

Cell phone cabinets:

High purchase costs and space requirements make cell phone cabinets an expensive and inflexible solution, particularly for schools with many students.

Collect cell phones:

Although the method is inexpensive, it requires a lot of time and poses security risks as the cellphones stored centrally are vulnerable to loss or theft.

Conclusion: Why phone cases are the best choice

Lockable cell phone cases such as LOCKSTA offer a modern, secure and cost-effective solution for schools that want to create a mobile-free learning environment. They combine:

• Flexibility: Students stay in control of their devices.
• Safety: The smartphones are protected against theft and damage.
• Profitability: One-time purchase costs and long-term use.
• Practicality: Quick integration into everyday school life without taking up additional space.

Compared to cell phone cabinets or collecting devices, cell phone cases offer a significantly better balance between control, flexibility and efficiency.